BRITAIN was accused of bowing to the US last night after allowing
bombing equipment to be sold to Israel.

In a move branded unethical, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw changed
rules and allowed export licences for British components to be built
into US F-16 fighter jets bound for the Middle East.

Three months ago Mr Straw condemned the Israelis after they used
F-16s against the Palestinians.

But yesterday he said: "Any interruption to the supply of
these components would have serious implications for the UK's defence
relations with the US. We are not a pacifist country."

His comments fuelled charges that Tony Blair was George Bush's
"poodle". Brian Iddon, secretary of the Commons all party
Palestine group, said: "We are aiding and abetting the Americans
to attack the Palestinians."

Slamming the turnabout as "completely immoral", Labour
MP Alice Mahon said: "After continuing to arm India when she
was on the brink of nuclear war, this is too much to swallow."

Up to now, the Government has refused to issue export licences
for equipment bound for Israel if it could be used against the Palestinians.

Now it will decide on a "case by case" basis. The F-16
components are head-up displays used by pilots to lock on to targets.

Downing Street said the changed guidelines reflected the "new
reality" of the international defence industry.

Anger
Over Arms To Israel

By Bob Roberts Political Correspondent
The Mirror
9 July 2002

JACK Straw last night faced being hauled before the Commons after
an amazing "arms for Israel" about-turn provoked outrage
among MPs.

Announcing new guidelines, the Foreign Secretary revealed that
export licences had been granted for British bombing equipment to
be installed in US F-16 fighter planes bound for Israel.

Critics say the planes could be used to launch fresh missile attacks
on the Palestinians.

Fuelling claims that Britain was in thrall to George Bush, Mr Straw
said any interruption to the supply of the British components would
have "serious implications" for UK-US defence relations.

He added: "We are not a pacifist country. I do not believe
that we would make the world a safer place by Britain not being
involved in responsible defence exports."

His comments were in stark contrast to his condemnation on April
16 after the Israelis launched F-16 strikes against the West Bank.